Beautiful Flowers

There are one of two reasons why I find myself with beautiful flowers.

The first reason, guilt...as was the case when my handsome husband and I reupholstered a $3.99 Goodwill chair together.

The second reason...a special occasion, like our anniversary, which I ironically displayed in a Goodwill vase.

Often times, if I've been given flowers for the latter reason, it is also accompanied by a celebration that looks something like this.

Believe it or not, all these details are thought of and executed by my husband, who I assure you is not scouring pinterest for his inspiration.

Like using the top of the pineapple as the center of the fruit plate.

Some Tiki men also joined our celebration (souvenirs left in our tropical hut for our honeymoon). 

No detail was spared.

While this was definitely an occasion we could have celebrated with champagne floats, we opted to toast with some pineapple coconut juice instead.

And, though 7 years ago, this little miss was not part of our big day...

Our celebration would not be complete without her.

Roadside Rescue

Last weekend, my husband rescued these chairs and ottoman from the side of the road.

Look at proud he is of his treasures.

Which I have to admit, have a ton of potential.

They also need a lot of work, like new cushions and one of the seats needs to be replaced.

But I can still see their potential.

And...

I find this entire thing a little ironic since just a few months ago, I rescued a $3.99 chair from Goodwill, to which my husband responded, 'oh, you bought a chair'.

A chair that also had a ton of potential.

I have a feeling someone is going to want some help uncovering the potential in his chairs.

Ironic.

We've now come full circle.

Goodwill Hunting Roundup

Some days at Goodwill can be hit or miss.  I'll be the first to admit that.  The pricing can be inconsistent.  There are days I am shocked at how much something donated can be priced and then there are days when I stare at the price tag in disbelief at what an unbelievable deal has crossed my path.

This past month, I was fortunately to find some really incredible deals.  This chair, was only $3.99.  If you haven't already check out the transformation she underwent, take a minute and see what she looks like now.

Another incredible deal, a stainless steel tray for .99 cents.  Yes, less than a dollar.  I suspect this was because it wasn't stamped with a brand, so the person pricing wasn't sure if was stainless steel or not.  I also got the bluish green glass dispenser for .99 cents.  I loved the color.

I've been combing the aisles of Goodwill for some games, I'm participating in His and Her's Random Act of Craftiness.  The first challenge is creating something original out of game pieces.  The Scrabble game pieces are NOT allowed in the challenge and, of course, for the first time ever, I found a Scrabble game for $1.99 and couldn't pass it up.  I have so many things pinned that require Scrabble tiles.  I also picked up PIT, which had a very retro feel to it.  I am still trying to figure out how to create something original out of it, for the challenge, but for .99 cents, even if I don't, it wasn't that much.

No trip to Goodwill is complete without checking out the little girl clothes.  I found a Christmas dress for Grace for $3.99.

And, a poodle shirt $2.99 on half off yellow ticket day so we bought it for $1.50.
*Check out your Goodwill and see what deals they offer throughout the month.  The Goodwills I shop at offer half off a certain color price tag on the 15th of every month.

We also, always check out their Barbie and stuffed animal collection.  Grace picked out a Steiff lamb for .49 cents.  I had never heard of Steiff before but apparently they have made some very expensive, high quality and collectible stuffed animals.  A thorough wipe of stuffed animals with a disinfectant wipe, followed by a tumble in the dryer set on high, should provide a good cleaning of most stuffed animals.

And, there is always a stop in the big girl clothing section as well.  When I see a dress like this at Goodwill, I try and remind myself that I am a stay at home mom and that I don't really need to add this to my cart.  This dress was missing the belt and had some separation at the seam line under the arm {which I can easily repair} SO I pointed out the flaws to a manager and they took 50% off the price.  For $2.50, this stay at home mom can justify this beauty hanging in her closet.
*It never hurts to point out things the person pricing an item may have missed, for example any flaws, to try and get it for a better price.

Last, but not least, I found these little jars with airtight sealing tops.  They were .49 cents a piece.

Goodwill stores are gearing up for Halloween.  It's their BIG season.  They save all of the costumes and decorations that are donated throughout the year and put it out about a month before Halloween.  So, if you are in need for inspiration, decorations or a costume, head out to your local Goodwill in the next few weeks and see what deals you can find.  

Happy Thrifting!